Rafael Nadal survived a second-set scare against Diego Schwartzman to move a step closer to a French Open semi-final against rival Novak Djokovic.
The world No 1 defeated Schwartzman 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-0 in an enthralling battle at Roland Garros.
Schwartzman, the world No 10, had not dropped a set at the tournament before the match and battled all the way until the final set, when Nadal’s quality truly took over.
Both initially struggled to break the other’s serve in the opening set until Nadal finally took the lead in the seventh game. He went on to win the set 6-3.
But Schwartzman came fighting back and sensationally won the second set. He was then leading the third set 3-0 against the 35-year-old but Nadal soon took over.
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The final defeat against Nadal will motivate him to go one better this year.
And the 34-year-old has insisted that he does not copy his rival’s style on clay, claiming that he has his own way of playing.
“It’s always good to catch certain details from your rivals. Rafa and I have a completely different style of play, so I don’t try to copy his game or anything like that on any surface,” Djokovic said.
“I have my own authentic style that I have developed over the years, but definitely when you watch Nadal play on clay, there is always something you can learn from.
“I consider myself a student of this sport. I can always learn something not only from him, but from any player on the circuit.
“I always have an open mind every time I watch tennis.”
